Chemical Industry to Enter New Year with $1.509 Billion Export Growth

Istanbul Chemical Manufacturers and Exporters Association (İKMİB) reported that chemical exports in November reached USD 1.509 billion. The sector's exports over eleven months totaled USD 15.935 billion. In the ranking of countries with the highest exports in November, Egypt topped the list with USD 93.686 million in exports, followed by Iraq with USD 91.724 million and Germany with USD 80.477 million. Chemical exports in November increased by 8.33 percent compared to November 2017, reaching USD 1.509 billion. The top ten countries for chemical exports in November were Egypt, Iraq, Germany, USA, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, Iran and Greece. Turkey's chemical industry, a significant export item, recorded eleven-month exports in 2018 of USD 15.935 billion, representing an 8.11 percent increase compared to the same period in 2017. During this period, the top exporting destinations included Germany, Egypt, Iraq, Spain, USA, Italy, United Kingdom, Greece, Netherlands and Iran. "We Know that Turkey Will Overcome Its Economic Challenges Through Collective Effort and We Are Moving Forward in This Direction". Adil Pelister, Chairman of the Board of İKMİB, emphasized that the chemical sector, which shows a successful growth trajectory, is approaching its 2018 target. Pelister stressed that November recorded chemical exports of USD 1.509 billion with an 8.33 percent increase compared to November 2017, stating: "Our sector exports showed an 8 percent increase over the eleven-month period compared to the same period last year. We know that Turkey will overcome its economic challenges through collective effort and we are continuing to advance successfully on the path we have targeted with this mission. We are working to increase our exports. As İKMİB, we support our companies in every matter that will increase their exports. With the great efforts of our companies in the chemical sector, we aim to close this year with exports exceeding USD 17 billion."

Egypt Leads in Chemical Sector Exports

In November, Egypt was the top export destination. Chemical exports to Egypt in November 2018 reached USD 93.686 million. In November, the main items exported to Egypt included "mineral fuels, mineral oils and products", "miscellaneous chemical substances", "cleaning preparations", "inorganic chemicals", "adhesives, glues, enzymes" and "paints, varnishes, inks and preparations". Eleven-month chemical exports to Egypt this year totaled USD 867.150 million, while other countries in the top ten alongside Egypt for November sector exports were Iraq, Germany, USA, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, Iran and Greece.